Understanding Hel: The Norse Underworld
In Old Norse mythology, Hel (pronounced similarly to “Hell”) serves as the primary term used to describe the underworld, a realm inhabited by many of the deceased. This domain is governed by a formidable goddess who shares the same name. It may also be referred to as Helheim or The Realm of Hel, though these terms are more frequently found in later interpretations rather than in original Norse texts.
The concept of Hel is commonly associated with an underground location. In certain accounts, it is positioned in the north, a place characterized by darkness and coldness reminiscent of a grave. To protect its boundaries, a dog is sometimes depicted as a guardian, echoing the role of Cerberus in Greek lore.
The Nature of Hel
The Old Norse Hel and the Christian notion of Hell, representing eternal torment under the dominion of Satan, derive from a shared Proto-Germanic root word *haljo, which translates to “concealed place.” This linguistic connection is evident across various Germanic languages, as evidenced by modern English speakers referring to the Christian Hell, akin to hel or helle in Old English, intended to signify a similar pagan underworld to that of Norse mythology.
Despite their etymological similarities, Hel and Hell diverge significantly in meaning. Old Norse texts provide little clarity on the criteria for one’s afterlife destination, indicating it is not merely a reward or punishment based on earthly actions or beliefs. Rather, references to Hel reveal a more neutral or even positive portrayal of the afterlife. The inhabitants of Hel are often described as continuing the activities they enjoyed in life—eating, drinking, and resting—thus illustrating it not as a realm of eternal bliss or suffering, but rather as a form of life that persists beyond death.
Among the myriad sources available, only Snorri Sturluson’s thirteenth-century Prose Edda presents a grim description of Hel. Writing well after the decline of Norse paganism, Snorri’s interpretation often exaggerates characteristics to align them with Christian ideas. His outlandish portrayal includes naming Hel’s plate Hunger and her servants Slow and Lazy, which few scholars believe reflect genuine Viking traditions.
The Path to Hel
The journey to Hel is notably detailed in Old Norse literature, termed Helvegr, meaning “the way to Hel.” The parallels between these narratives and traditional shamanic journeys of other cultures suggest that they could provide insights into the experiences of Norse shamans. Both gods and mortals occasionally embarked on perilous voyages to Hel to fetch lost souls or seek wisdom.
One illustrative example comes from Saxo Grammaticus’s Gesta Danorum, in which the hero Hadding encounters a mysterious woman who guides him beneath the earth. Hadding’s expedition takes him through mists and verdant landscapes until he faces a raging torrent filled with weapons, eventually confronting an army of fallen warriors.
Another account involves Hermod’s quest to retrieve Baldur from Hel, delineated solely by Snorri, yet similar in form and detail to other underworld narratives. Hermod departs Asgard on Odin’s horse, Sleipnir, traveling for nine nights through profound darkness until he reaches the river Gjöll, which he must cross over a bridge guarded by the giantess Móðguðr. Upon crossing, he learns that Hel lies in the direction of the north—and downward.
Both Snorri’s and Saxo’s narratives share common threads: Hel is depicted as being located underground and to the north, accessed through a descent assisted by a guide. Travelers navigate through darkness and cross a river, often metaphorically represented as a torrent of weapons, before finally arriving at Hel’s imposing boundaries. The mystique surrounding how one enters this realm remains prominent, as living beings seem to prefer circumventing the main gates, opting instead for alternative paths or retreating altogether.
Conclusion
Norse mythology offers a rich tapestry of beliefs concerning the afterlife, particularly the enigmatic realm of Hel. While often conflated with Christian ideas of Hell, Hel represents a unique perspective on death and the continuance of existence in a different form. Through the exploration of various sources, we glimpse a landscape filled with both wonder and mystery, where the journeys of heroes illuminate the cultural significance of life after death in Viking Age thought.
